Vitrectomy Results for Stages 4 and 5 Retinopathy of Prematurity in Iraq

Abstract

Background

Stage 4 and 5 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a serious condition that may require surgical intervention at some point. Timely intervention is a key element and, with the peculiarity of eyes among this group that necessities a certain level of surgical standards, operations cannot be undertaken in any surgical eye center.

Aim of the Study

To recognize the outcomes of vitrectomy in Iraqi preterm babies with stage 4 and 5 ROP, and to study factors that might increase the risk of re-detachment in operated eyes.

Methods

A prospective cohort study undertaken from November 2020 to June 2023 for Iraqi preterm babies presenting with stage 4 and 5 ROP requiring surgical intervention. Each patient had a follow-up duration of 9 months. The primary follow-up outcome was anatomical success rate (flat versus detached), and the secondary outcome was to identify the postoperative complications.

Results

This study enrolled 19 children; 11 males and eight females (number of eyes operated on was was 31), with a mean gestational age of 29.4±2.1 weeks. There were six (19.4%) eyes that did not develop any complications, five (16.1%) eyes developed postoperative vitreous hemorrhage, five (16.1%) eyes developed cataract, three (9.7%) eyes underwent a second vitrectomy, and seven (22.6%) eyes developed secondary glaucoma. The surgical success rates were 90.9% for stage 4a, 57.1% for stage 4b, and 33.3% for stage 5a.

Conclusion

This study presented the first surgical experience for vitrectomy in children with retinopathy of prematurity in our country, and the results were encouraging with an overall surgical success rate of 64.5%, and 19.4% of eyes did not develop any complication until the 1-year of follow-up.

Keywords:

• retinopathy of prematurity
• vitrectomy
• scleral buckle
• premature infants
• lens sparing vitrectomy

Ethical Considerations

The caregiver(s) of each child were interviewed, and detailed information was provided regarding the disease, possible surgical interventions, expected outcomes and complications, along with written consent from each caregiver, and was in compliance with the Helsinki declaration and its subsequent update of ethical standards (Code: 2019/C081). This study was approved by the Ethical Committee at Ibn Al-Haitham Teaching Eye Hospital.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

There is no funding to report.